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Mechelen or Mechlin[1] is a historically important city located on the river Dyle in the center of Flanders, one of the three regions in Belgium. It lies about halfway between Antwerp and Brussels and has approximately 80,000 inhabitants.

Understand

Grote Markt, Mechelen

Though now in the shadow of Brussels, Mechelen is a historically important city in its own right. From 1506 to 1530 it was the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria. In 1559 it became an archbishopric, a sign of great importance. It was famous for its wood carvings, some of which can still be seen in the churches of the city, and for lace and tapestry manufacture.

Today it is a vibrant town, mixing trendy and traditional. Its carillon school is world-renowned, training students from all over the world in the art of playing carillons, sets of 24 or more bells hung in church towers. Shops downtown are often housed in buildings with the old-style Flemish architecture, but offer edgy fashions sure to appeal to the younger generation.

Mechelen is developing into the center of non-profit or non-governmental organizations for Flanders. Some famous examples are Natuurpunt, AFS, and the Red Cross. This is mainly because it's very easily reachable (by train or by highway) but not as expensive as Brussels.

Inhabitants are called "Maneblussers" (moon-firemen). The story goes that one day long time ago the moonlight was shining on the unfinished St.-Romboutstoren and that some people thought it was burning. The whole city was mobilized to extinguish the fire but there was no fire to extinguish.

Get in

Mechelen is easily reached by train. From Brussels and Antwerp it takes about 25 minutes.

Just outside the main train station you'll find a bus station with connections to many places in the vicinity.

Get around

The city center is about 15 minutes walk from the train station. Mechelen is a very compact city, so you can reach most places on foot. There are a few bus routes through and radiating from the city center in case you need them.

See

16th century houses, Mechelen

St. Rumbold's Cathedral (Sint-Romboutskathedraal) is the largest of the 8 churches in Mechelen, with a high tower (though not as high as originally planned - construction stopped early due to lack of money). Notable works of art include the carved wood pulpit from 1723, painted triptychs dating to the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and an image of "Our Lady of Miracles" which has been in the cathedral since the early 16th century.

The Museum of Toys (Speelgoedmuseum)

The Market Square (Grote Markt) has the cathedral cutting across one end and the Town Hall at the opposite end, with restaurants and cafes lining the sides between the two.

The main shopping streets are Bruul and IJzerenleen, both radiating out from the Market Square.

Vrijbroek Park (Vrijbroekpark)

Refuge of the Abbey of Tongerlo. Historically the refuge for the abbey in times of attack, it is now the home of De Wit [2], royal manufacturers of tapestry. There are guided visits on Saturday mornings at 1030.

Hof van Busleyden is an eclectic museum with items of local interest. Paintings, sculpture, tapestries, the town mascot, and the chains from the old jail - there's a little of everything. Explanations are in Dutch only. Temporarily closed. [3]

Sint-Janskerk is one of the 8 historic churches in Mechelen, with a notable Reubens painting/triptych "Adoration of the Magi". The painting of the crucifixion by Wauters is also very impressive. Open 1:30-5:30 PM except Mondays and during services.

The Begijnhofkerk, another of the churches, is known for the two statues above the door, one of Saint Catherine and one of God the Father.

The Palace of Margaret of Austria is an unassuming set of buildings on Keizerstraat that was effectively the seat of government during Mechelen's time as capital of the Netherlands. Today it houses government offices, but the interior courtyard is worth a brief visit to admire the tranquil and well-organized gardens.

Clocks and watches museum (horlogeriemuseum) Privately run museum where the owners, both watchmakers, give you a very interesting personal tour. Do come an hour before closing time to be able to have the full tour and explanations. Address: Lange schipstraat 13 More info: [4]

16th Century Houses, cross the river in front of the Vismarkt and turn right. The three surviving timber houses have elaborate carvings on the front elevations. The houses are privately owned.

Technopolis, Technologielaan, 2800 Mechelen, ☎+32 (0)15 34 2000, [5]. Open every day from 9h30 till 17h00. Hands on science museum for kids of all ages.Adults or children over 12 years old: €9.50; Children (3-11 years old): €7; Children under the age of 3: Free.

Do

Maanrock[6], on the Grote Markt and in the IJzerenleen. End of August. A 2-day free festival featuring several stages of music and DJs, starting early in the afternoon and running till early morning.

Take a boat cruise along the waterways of Mechelen. The 45 minute trip costs 6 EUR. Departures are every hour on the half hour, from Haverwerf.

Weekly one-hour carillon concerts on the Sint-Rombouts tower carillon occur Saturdays at 11:30 am and Sundays at 3 pm all year. During the summer (roughly June to September) there are additional concerts on Monday evenings; for these, carillonneurs from all over the Low Countries, as well as overseas, are invited to play.

Get to the tourist information center on the main square or Grote Markt and follow one of their recommended walking tours.

Buy

There are several chocolate shops near the Grote Markt, but try the local one, Gauthier, on the IJzerenleen; it's very good and not as pricey as Neuhaus. They also have some spice cakes and cookies.

If you're around on a Saturday morning there's an open market in the Grote Markt and the Botermarkt. There are a lot of food stands (cheese, meat, seafood, produce, some prepared food) but also some others (basic clothing, shoes, linens).

Eat

There's a Match supermarket on Haverwerf, if you need supplies for self-catering. The Smatch on the Blauwhondstraat (between IJzerenleen and Bruul, near the Grote Markt) is smaller but is open Sunday mornings.

Hete Patat has some Turkish inspired cuisine. They specialize in stuffed potatoes of many varieties. They are conveniently located just behind the Cathedrale off of the Grote Markt.[7]

De Cirque on the Vismarkt, offers pasta, steaks and salads. No english menus are available,(applies to Mechelen generally) but staff are helpful and will translate.

Intermezzo on the IJzerenleen has nice Brussels waffles and other desserts.

Drink

Brewery Het Anker. Features locally brewed Mechelse Bruynen and Gouden Carolus. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of their own jenever called Ouwe Klare or the beer chocolates. They also have a small shop where they sell their products. [8] Guido Gezellelaan 49 (on the ringway around the city center). They have tours some weekends. The restaurant/brasserie is closed for most of July 2008 due to the owners vacation. It is wise to call ahead and ask specifically what will be available during your trip.

De Stille Genieter Café with 350 different kinds of beer, has the feel of a brown café not far from the Vismarkt.

Various cafes on the Vismarkt

Sleep

Budget

Zandpoort Youth Hostel, Zandpoortvest, 015/27 85 39 (fax: 015/27.85.40), More info and online booking on [9]. 20 min. from the main train station, 15 min. from the city center. 17-31€.

Medium

Hotel Vé, Vismarkt 14, +32 (0) 15-200.755 (fax: +32 (0)15-200.760), [10]. A stylish hotel located on one of the most ancient markets of Mechelen: the fish market. The hotel is constructed in a factory where they used to smoke fish, but has a trendy, modern feel. During the weekends there's a discount of 30-40 EUR off the normal room rates.

Bed and Breakfast Luna Luna, Jef Denynplein 4-6, +32 486 296 798 [12]. A very spacious suite, situated along a city canal, in the historical heart of the city of Mechelen.

NH Mechelen, Korenmarkt, 22-24. 2800 Malinas. Mechelen, ☎+32.15.420303, [13]. Situated in the historical part of the city, this hotel offers a fantastic location and many amenities which provide a very pleasurable stay. Rooms from 65€.

Splurge

Stay safe

Mechelen had some problems with some youth groups. There is no immediate threat if you stay in tourist areas, but certain neighborhoods are to be avoided at night.

The city used to have one of the highest crime rates of Flanders. Since 2003 the city is reviving again. Nowadays, it is safe to walk through Mechelen. The city has improved much over the last years. Don't worry, just enjoy!

Contact

The city phone code for Mechelen is 015.

Get out

Planckendael Animal Park (Dierenpark Planckendael) [14], +32(0)15/41.49.21, is just outside Mechelen city in Muizen. Located on the road towards Leuven, or in summer take a boat from Mechelen (follow signs from the train station).

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!